Meanwhile, researchers are uncovering new connections between gut bacteria and serious health issues — previously assumed to be unrelated to diet or bacteria — frequently. Scientists are searching for links between gut bacteria and autism, as well as gut bacteria and Parkinson’s disease, as well as investigating how much of an impact gut bacteria have on the efficacy of drugs. Researchers are also hoping to harness the power of probiotics to create tailor-made treatments for a host of diseases, and even to extend the human lifespan.

For now, though, the average consumer should temper their optimism with healthy scientific skepticism.